Summer camp for children of Ukrainian defenders opens at Lithuanian military academy

A summer camp for children of fallen, missing, and active Ukrainian defenders has opened at the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Armed Forces announced on Monday.

The camp, organised by the LDK Birutė Union of Lithuanian Officers’ Families, runs from July 19 to 28 and hosts 10 to 15-year-olds whose parents serve or served in the Operational Command East brigades in southeastern Ukraine. All participants are visiting Lithuania for the first time.

During their stay, the children will reside at the military academy, explore Lithuania, visit the Seimas (parliament), military units, and museums, and take part in various educational activities.

Asta Vaikšnorienė, chair of the Birutė Union, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s solidarity with the families of Ukrainian soldiers. “Birutė members feel a special duty to support the families of Ukrainian defenders—both those still fighting and those who have lost or are missing loved ones—with particular attention to the younger generation. This camp is a sensitive and meaningful initiative that brings together children from Ukraine each year, allowing them to rest safely, create, get to know Lithuania, and feel supported,” she said.

The union has invited children of Ukrainian defenders to camps in Lithuania since 2022 and has organised a dedicated camp for them since 2025. The project is partially funded by the NATO Charity Bazaar, along with donations from private and legal entities. Contributions also come from the Ministry of National Defence, the Lithuanian Armed Forces, LITPOLUKRBRIG, Lithuania’s honorary consul in Ukraine, R. Gabulas, and other Lithuanian individuals and organisations.